Knifefish-Clown (80-100mm)

All our fish, shrimp and corals are bagged with fresh oxygen as well as a heat pack in winter.

When ordering livestock please select the box size and add it to your cart for accurate overnight (1-2 days) shipping costs. A small box can take 1-2 bags and a medium box 6 bags. One bag fits max 10 small (1-3cm) fish or max 2 medium (3-5cm) fish or max 1 large (>5cm) fish.

ONE SPECIES PER BAG. Eg: One bag of 10 neon tetra.

Clown Knifefish (Chitala chitala)

Description:

• Appearance:

  • Body: Elongated, ribbon-like body with a smooth, streamlined shape.
  • Color: Pale or silver body with distinctive black or dark bands running horizontally along its length, which may resemble a clown's stripes.
  • Size: Can grow up to 24-36 inches (60-90 cm) in length in captivity.
  • Distinctive Feature: Notable for its striking pattern and graceful swimming style. The fish’s long, undulating fins contribute to its unique appearance.

• Behavior:

  • Activity: Generally nocturnal; more active during the evening and night. They are relatively sedentary during the day and may hide or seek shelter.
  • Social Structure: Solitary by nature but can tolerate other large, peaceful species in a sufficiently large tank.

Care Requirements:

• Tank Size:

  • Minimum: 150 gallons (568 liters) for a single fish. Larger tanks are preferable to accommodate their size and swimming needs.

• Water Parameters:

  • Temperature: 75-82°F (24-28°C). They prefer warm water but can tolerate slight fluctuations.
  • pH: 6.0-7.5. Slightly acidic to neutral water is ideal.
  • Hardness: Soft to moderately hard water.
  • Filtration: Strong filtration is essential. Ensure good water circulation to maintain clean and oxygenated water. The filter should be capable of handling the tank's volume and maintaining water quality.

• Tank Setup:

  • Substrate: Fine gravel or sand is preferable. Smooth substrates help avoid injury.
  • Aquascaping: Provide plenty of hiding spots using rocks, driftwood, and plants. Clown Knifefish appreciate a well-decorated tank that mimics their natural habitat. Ensure there are places where they can retreat during the day.
  • Lighting: Moderate lighting is suitable. They are more active during low-light conditions, so bright lights are not necessary.

• Diet:

  • Primary Food: Carnivorous; feed high-quality sinking pellets or live/frozen foods such as bloodworms, chopped shrimp, and small fish.
  • Supplemental Food: Offer occasional treats like earthworms or small crustaceans to provide variety.

• Behavioral Considerations:

  • Compatibility: Peaceful with other large, non-aggressive fish. Avoid smaller tank mates that may be considered prey or become stressed by the knifefish's presence.
  • Social Behavior: Generally solitary and may not tolerate conspecifics well in confined spaces. Best kept alone or with other large, peaceful species.

• Tank Maintenance:

  • Water Changes: Regular water changes (20-30% weekly) are crucial to maintain water quality and remove waste.
  • Cleaning: Clean the tank regularly, including removing uneaten food and detritus. Ensure the filtration system is properly maintained.

• Health Care:

  • Observation: Monitor for signs of stress or illness, such as changes in behavior, loss of appetite, or visible symptoms like discoloration or lesions.
  • Treatment: Maintain optimal water conditions and consult an aquarium professional if health issues arise. Common problems include skin infections and parasites. Early intervention is important for effective treatment.